16 months later
I don't know what hurt more — Natalie throwing me into the water, or Adrino's complete silence about my whereabouts.
It's been over a year, and not a single call from him.
Right now, I'm in college, studying Cyber Security. I've started to see the mafia from a different angle — maybe hacking could be my way in to assist Papa's world without getting my hands dirty. Speaking of Papa, he's been nothing but the best support through all of this.
Life is hectic, with constant places to be and endless responsibilities, but I'm so far from the girl I used to be. The only thing missing? Adrino. I miss the way his dominating presence both infuriated and soothed me.
Papa keeps trying to get me to hang out or date, but I'm not ready to open that door again.
Today's my twentieth birthday, and it's going to be grand.
Being a trillionaire means the whole world is watching me. People I've never met care about what I eat, what I wear, and what men I'm involved with.
"Hey, baby girl," Jason said, breaking my thoughts.
Oh right, I forgot to mention — Jason is my new close friend, a senior I met on my first day at college. He's been a good distraction, especially when I'm trying to erase Adrino from my mind. I haven't spoken to Fred since that Adrino incident.
"Well, happy birthday, my one and only sexiest bitch alive," Jason teased.
"Thanks, you're the biggest pain in my ass alive," I shot back.
"Haha — seriously though, how do you always look so beautiful and make my heart skip every time I see you?" Jason asked, grinning.
"You ever wonder why you can't keep your thoughts to yourself when you see me?" I replied, smirking.
"That's 'cause you're the hottest, baddest girl I've ever met. Some thoughts just can't stay inside," he said.
"Aria," Tom's voice called out.
"Come in, Papa!" I answered.
"Happy birthday!" he smiled warmly.
"Good morning, Jason. I see you're here," Tom added.
"Yeah, good morning," Jason said politely.
"Get ready. You're having a gala tonight — hosted in your honor."
"A whole gala?" I asked, surprised.
"Is that too small? I could run it on a cruise or something..." Tom chuckled.
"No — gala's perfect."
"Love you, Mi amour. Come down for breakfast," Tom said affectionately.
LIGHTS OUT
Gala Night
I wore a sleek blazer coat and baggy trousers — all from the finest stores across America.
No makeup today. I let my hair fall free and wore white sneakers to match my outfit.
It's my day. I can dress how I want — not always gowns and dresses.
As I stepped down, the crowd erupted in applause.
Then it happened — my heart skipped a beat.
I saw him — my nightmare, dressed like a daydream.
BLACKOUT
Author's Note
Who the f*ck was that?
I could feel the tension in the air...
Trying to picture her outfit — it must have been fire.
I love this Aria Delaney. But WTF is wrong with Adrino?
Is Natalie still alive?
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LIGHTS OUT